Shelby's Social Diary

Stunning jewelry dazzles at a glittering gala, ensures credit cards will be working overtime

The ooh-la-la quotient was off the charts at Zadok Jewelers when the Zadok family pulled out the stops for their "All That Glitters" holiday party. Various jewelers sent a sleigh load of sparklies for the evening, dazzling temptations sure to be on more than a few wish lists.

Perhaps most delicious were the special offerings from four designers who made personal appearances and brought along oodles of bling — JJ Williams of JJ Number 8, Rina Limor of her namesake company and Sutra founders and designers Arpita and Divyanshu Navlakha.

Add to those the reps from various companies such as Mikimoto, Yvel, Roberto Coin, Goshwara, Ulysse Nardin and Dior promoting their wares and you have one glorious night guaranteed to fuel a holiday credit card frenzy.

Aside from the delicious self-indulgence that buying fine jewelry and watches affords, there was a philanthropic side to the evening. Proceeds from the night's raffle went to Lemonade Day. Its founders, Lisa and Michael Holthouse made the scene with Lisa signing copies of her children's book, It All Started With a Turtle.

With holiday decor by Darryl & Co. and yummy party foods from Silverstone, it was difficult not to be in a festive mood. And that's just what Helene and Dror Zadok had hoped for. Add their sons and wives — Gilad and Lisa Zadok, Segev and Amy Zadok and Jonathan Zadok to hosting duties.

Bedazzled by the bling were guests including Heidi and David Gerger, Martine Weitz, Christine and Jonathan Zou, Beth Wolff, Catherine Miller, Debra and Kerry Bonner, Stacy Parker, Michelle and Aaron Lewis, Susan Vick, Monica Bickers and Edward Sanchez.

JJ Williams, from left, Clare Jackson, Beth Wolff and Susan Vick at the Zadok Holiday Party.

35 J.J. Williams, from left, Clare Jackson, Beth Wolf and Susan Vick at the Zadok Holiday Party December 2013

Photo by Kasey Meier

JJ Williams, from left, Clare Jackson, Beth Wolff and Susan Vick at the Zadok Holiday Party.

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shock and awe

Dark elegance and spooky splendor raise $1.1M for Children’s Museum Houston

When the Children’s Museum Houston threw its annual adult fête on October 26, the Corinthian wasn’t just an event space, it was a full-on haunted playground for the city’s imaginative souls. Nearly 500 attendees — clad in mysterious black lace, horns, feathers, and flowing capes — stepped into a realm where goth and childhood wonder collided with spectacular results.

This year’s “Noir Ball: A Celebration of Haunted Elegance,” chaired by Whitney and Ryan Burns and Allison and Iván Chávez, made no bones about its moody vibe. From the moment partygoers floated in, the eerie ambiance—think chandeliers dripping in ghostly light and roses under glass cages—set the stage.

The masterminds at Bergner and Johnson Design turned the room into a scene from a spellbinding fairytale, where fog floated ominously across a grand fountain, dotted with rose petals and flickering candles. One could practically hear the spirits whisper.

And as any child knows, no Halloween is complete without a little shock and awe. At one point, lightning cracked and thunder rolled through the room. Even the sweet tooth found its haunting hour with Jackson and Co.’s darkly decadent desserts, including cake candles that might just have you second-guessing what’s edible. It was a feast fit for vampires, werewolves, and Houston’s social elite alike.

Adding to the festivities, ‘80s cover band The Spazmatics revived the dance floor with a high-energy, undead-worthy set, pulling every last creature of the night into their spell. With the iconic chandeliers casting an ethereal glow, the floor was alive with revelers reliving their MTV glory days.

Maleficent, Dracula, and Wednesday Addams mingled with the crowd, adding a dash of dark fantasy to the evening’s ambiance while paddle bids flew during the live and silent auctions chaired by Devorah Krieger and Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey. Highlights included everything from a diamond necklace to a puppy duo courtesy of K-9 Angels Rescue. Guests vied with ghostly fervor for a bangle donated by Zadok Jewelers. After a close battle, Yana Rodilosso emerged triumphant

The evening raised a spine-tingling $1.14 million, the museum’s second-highest tally ever, all to fuel its mission to nurture Houston's young minds.

Among the undead were Alexandra and Alex Cabraie, Antoinette and Julian Duncan, Kathryn and Travis Boeker, Erin Smith, Bethany and Ben Buchanan, Courtney and Bo Hughes, Deanna Altenhoff, Darren Brasher, Stephanie Wilcox, Freddie Minahan, Heather and Mark Teshoian, Iona and Mike Avery, Veronica and John Griffin, Lacey and Matt Goossen, Ashley and Jonathan Sloan, Neil Badlani and Rekha Muddaraj, Cassandra and Ryan Dalton, and Matthew Mackey.

Photo by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design

Ashley Sloan, Kathryn Boeker, Erin Smith, and Bethany Buchanan.